Every so often a noteworthy event happens to pop up just prior to our regular weekend listings, and the return of the Sidecar Trolley Tour is definitely one of them (takes place Thursday). If you’re lucky enough to have scored a spot on Thursday night’s Sidecar Trolley Tour (back to help kick-start Vancouver Craft Beer Week), we’re thinking you’ll be well-primed for plenty of good times. With stops scheduled for The Parlour, Tuc Craft Kitchen, London Pub and The Morrissey, you (and 100 others) will definitely get the party rolling.
Speaking of good times, Friday is the official opening gala event for the VCBW, and though it may be sold out, there are still a few other options taking place throughout the weekend. One worth noting: The Science of Brewing Meets the Art of the Cocktail at Raw Canvas, as well as Tap & Barrel’s own Junetoberfest. For full event listings and to purchase tickets, be sure to visit their website here.
If you’re up for a bit of a ferry ride, we recommend heading over to Lonsdale Quay to check out the North Shore Green Market on Friday evening. You’ll find it located just next to the seabus terminal at the Shipyards (it’s not hard to miss with live music on-site, 15 different food trucks, local artisans, plenty of fresh produce to load up on and entertainment). Plus, it lands you conveniently close to one of our favourite haunts, The District Social, where you’ll find plenty of comfort foods with a twist (home to the best mussels in town!) and a great selection of wines to help wash it down.
Awake the next morning and ease into the rest of your weekend by grabbing a bite at the quaint neighbourhood oasis afforded by Adesso Bistro for brunch (score a spot on their newly revamped patio if weather permits). Or perhaps you’re up for a waterfront view and have a hankering for Sol Sunbelt Cookery’s delicious breakfast offerings with a subtle Moroccan twist? Whichever you opt for, it’s guaranteed you won’t be disappointed at these West End/Coal Harbour spots.
Next, be sure to make your way over to take in the launch of the West End Farmers Market, which marks its return starting this Saturday (Comox Street at Nelson). Always a hub of activity with tasty local offerings, try to get their early and stock up on fresh produce, meet local farmers and enjoy delectable samples.
Though registration has just closed (sorry to disappoint), you might want to consider using part of your Saturday afternoon to head over to Mt. Seymour to cheer on participants in this year’s 5KM challenge, the Reebok Spartan Race. Watch as thousands of registered athletes hustle their way through the challenging, dirty, messy course and imagine it is yours truly. Seriously, you’ll enjoy the competition and fresh air. There is always next year…
It’s Sake Saturday in our books (starting at 7pm). Wander over to the edge of Chinatown and get into the sake swing of things and be sure to pop by Dr. Sun at-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens to partake in the Sake Social (a fundraiser for the Powell Street Festival Society). Sip your way through a selection of this warming beverage as you nosh on Japanese treats. Bonus: you can also have your fortune told (we hope it’s a notable one).
Why not unwind come Sunday and head over for a sampling of wine (what else?) at the Vancouver Urban Winery (they’re open until 6pm). Enjoy a flight of tasters from their ever-growing selection of wines on tap and grab some light snacks as the perfect accompaniment. Drop-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. While you’re there, you might want to pre-book a spot for their upcoming Railtown Supper Party on June 9.
Top photo courtesy Sol Sunbelt Cookery